Confirmed: Update emerges on Ian Evatt's Bolton Wanderers future | OneFootball

Ian Evatt is under increasing pressure at Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan has confirmed that Ian Evatt has the backing of the club amid speculation over his future.

Evatt has been with the Whites since July 2020, and has guided the club back to a strong position within League One.

The team reached the play-off final last season, but missed out on promotion with a defeat to Oxford United.

Bolton have struggled for consistent form since this defeat, with the side off the pace in the battle for a top two spot this campaign.

Ian Evatt decision confirmed

In a lengthy statement released on Wednesday morning, Bolton have confirmed that Evatt will remain at the club for the time being.

There have been question marks over his future this season due to the team’s poor form, but the chairman has reaffirmed their commitment to the 43-year-old.

“As Chairman of Bolton Wanderers, I would also like to take this moment to reaffirm my loyal support - and that of the entire club - for our manager, Ian Evatt, his staff and the players, and to highlight the strength of the journey we are all on together,” wrote Brittan, via the club’s official website.

“I met with Ian and his staff and all the players last week and they are a special group of people who are fully committed to this football club and understand the task in hand this season; that we need to progress again.

“I think both loyalty and continuity bring long-term success and that is our model which I do believe is different from others.

“It definitely brings frustrations at times but getting to the top is never easy.”

Bolton’s recent form

Bolton have won just two of their last five league games, which has seen them drop to eighth in the League One table.

He guided the club to promotion from League Two at the first time of asking in 2021, with the Whites now in their fourth campaign back in the third division.

But recent defeats to Wigan Athletic and Stockport County have raised concerns over the current direction of the side.

Next up for Bolton is a trip to face league leaders Wycombe Wanderers on 20 December.

Bolton’s commitment to Evatt could make or break them

Nobody is doubting the great work Evatt has done for the club over the last four years, solidifying their place as a top League One side.

However, this season has been underwhelming and supporters will be feeling frustrated by their lack of progress.

Things are very competitive at the top of the table this year, and promotion is never guaranteed, but many were expecting them to be in the mix for a top two spot this campaign.

If results don’t improve in the next few weeks, then they will be completely out of contention and could even find themselves cut adrift from even the play-off race, putting a lot of pressure on the team to perform going into January.